Savoring Spring in D.C.!

A few weeks ago I visited John at Catholic University, and the Browns in Alexandria. The market was bustling on the first weekend of spring!



The kids enjoy the great outdoors.


The Cherry Blossom festival was a feast for the senses!
At the Jefferson Memorial I was struck by the last words of The Declaration of Independence, inscribed on the wall there: "With a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. " Very powerful sentiments, needed just as much now as over 200 years ago.
John was a great tour guide. We walked around the memorials after dinner. The FDR memorial was mysteriously beautiful at night. Highly recommended!




Who can resist a rock to climb?
Monica is a tomboy with lots of style.


We walked around the Tidal Basin, admiring the cherry blossoms and getting lots of fresh air and sunshine.

A Villanova Fan's Dream Come True!

Back in October Fred was in the ICU for a week with a serious infection. Carolyn's friend Barb talked to her brother George, a student manager at Villanova, and they planned something special to lift his spirits. Fred, recovering in the ICU, received a phone call from Scottie Reynolds! He told Fred that the whole team was thinking of him and hoping for a quick recovery, and he added, " I'm praying for you." George told us he would arrange for Fred to meet the team after a home game, and he was true to his word.
Fred was thrilled to thank Scottie in person for his phone call!

Two Villanova heros!
Scottie is one of the best college basketball players in the country, and an even better person off the court. He is leading the Wildcats, who now have their best school record in history, and are ranked # 3 in the country. We thank God for fine young men like him,and wish him the best!

Christmas with the Pierce Clan

Our family traveled across many miles to gather for a Christmas celebration- what a blessing for us!
There was a lot of action in Grandad's room. Gemma was pensive during a moment of quiet.
Catherine and John have been particularly dedicated Christmas helpers over the years!Christmas Eve dinner was delectable, a group effort orchestrated by Jen.

Twas the night before Christmas!















On the second day of Christmas we enjoyed a delicious meal with several courses paired with wine, served by Carolyn and Luis.

We each opened our "cracker", and donned our paper hats, a festive tradition borrowed from the English.


Frederick and John Paul offered a duet.



An electric Thomas the Train delighted everyone, set up in a corner of Grandad's room.



We went out to lunch two days after Christmas, and our fellow diner was Cardinal Foley, back in Philadelphia after many years in the Vatican. He very kindly paid a visit to our table. Over thirty years ago he and Fred had met when both were working at the Archdiocese.





Monica sparkled in her Christmas finery. We certainly had a merry Christmas with the whole family gathered!

Home with the Heils

In December I enjoyed a week long visit with the Heils.


We devoured freshly baked baguettes at a French bakery; the birds were hovering nearby to catch our crumbs.

Crane Park is Lydia's favorite!





Lydia pushed the empty stroller during our walk home from town.
The pantry is a child's delight. The bottom shelf is all set up for Alexandra and Lydia!


Alexandra's first birthday was thoroughly celebrated!










There was a surprise visit from Santa Claus!

We enjoyed walking around St Helena, especially admiring this gingerbread house.

Matthew's office and the St Helena Montessori School are located near their parish, within walking distance of home-a great arrangement. It was fun to experience the Heil lifestyle!